
Gift: A Play in One 
Act: by Marie A. Foley 



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SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 28-30 West 38th Street 



THE GIFT 

A PLAY IN ONE ACT 

BY 

MARIE A. FOLEY 



Copyright, 1921, by Samuel French 

Amateurs may present this play without payment of 
roj'alty. All other rights reserved. 



New York 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 
28-30 West 38th Street 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

26 Southampton Street 
Strand 






-^'^'^^^^ 



\^ 



CHARACTERS 



Joel, a little lame boy 

HuLDAH, the woman of the house 

Malachi, her father 

A Stranger, who is blind 

Gabriel I • i r > u-u 

Martha [ neighbor s children 

The scene is laid in a little town of Judea. 
The action passes in the home of Huldah. 
Time — A.D. 30. 

THE GIFT was first performed in New York 
City, Nov. 5, 1920, with the following cast: 

Joel Miss Margery Nilson 

Huldah Mm Janet O'Ryan 

Malachi H. O'Ryan 

A Stranger v9. O'Connell 

Gabriel Miss Ruth Willman 

Martha Miss Rita McAleenan 



MAR -9|922©CI.D 6019 3 



*w>> I 



THE GIFT 



The Scene represents the interior of Huldah's 
home. The walls are of unfinished stone. In 
the middle of the back zvall is a zvindozv looking 
out upon the roadzvay. To the right of this is 
a door leading to the open air. In the zvall on 
the right is an opening through zvhich can be 
seen a fire burning upon the earthen floor. Near 
this opening is a stone bench. A couch is across 
the corner of left side of room. Near the couch 
is a table formed of two stones and a slab. On 
the table are sovie earthen bowls and some coarse 
bread and fruit. An animal-skin cover over 
couch completes the furnishing of the room. 

At rise of curtain Malachi, a very old man 
with white hair and beard is lying upon the 
couch. He is quite feeble and looks as if he had 
not long to live. (He must be lying with his 
head nearest to the audience as he must not be 
too much in the picture at all times. 

Joel, a serious, frail-looking boy of twelve 
years, sits upon the bench. A crudely made 
pair of crutches stands against the bench. Joel 
is finishing a zvreath he has been making of 
white roses. He examines the wreath very care- 
fully, often breaking a thorn from a stem. 



6 THE GIFT 

Joel's fingers are pricked and bleeding from 
the thorns; and though he stops now and again 
to carry a pricked finger to his mouth, he goes 
bravely on to finish his work. 

A knock is heard at the door. Joel rises 
quickly, takes his crutches and starts toward the 
door. Before he can reach it, however, the door 
is pushed open and Gabriel, a boy of Joel's 
own age, enters. 

Both boys are dressed in white tunics belted 
in at the zvaist. They are barefooted. 

The old man passively watches the boys, 
feebly smiling a greeting to the visitor. 

Joel. Oh, 'tis thou, Gabriel ! Come in and 

sit down. 

Gabriel. Yes, Joel. (To Malachi.; How 

art thou, Father Malachi? 

Malachi. Not so well to-day, Gabriel. Each 
day brings me nearer the end. 

Gabriel. I'm sorry, Father Malachi. 

(Both Boys go to bench. Joel takes up wreath 
again.) 

Gabriel. Thou 'rt going, art thou not, Joel? 

Joel. To see the Galilean? — Yes, as soon as 
Huldah comes in. 

Gabriel. Why dost thou call thy mother Hul- 
dah, Joel? 

Joel. My mother? — Huldah's not my mother. 
Didst thou not know that, Gabriel? 

Gabriel. No. 

Joel. My mother's dead. — I just live with Hul- 
dah and Father Malachi. 

Gabriel. Oh. — (Pause.) — What art thou mak- 
ing, Joel? 



THE GIFT 7 

Joel. A crown. (Holding it up.) Is it not fine? 
— (Shyly.) It's — it's for — the Galilean. 

Gabrifx. All the roses thou didst grow! — Art 
thou going to take it with thee ? 

Joel. Yes. 

Gabriel. Dost thou really think He can cure 
thee? 

Joel. Why, Gabriel! — Of course He can. — I'm 
going to ask Him to. — That's why I thought — I 
thought He might like my roses. — Smell them, Ga- 
briel. (Holding wreath toward Gabriel. J 

Gabriel. It's a fine gift, Joel. He likes flowers, 
I think. Mother says He talks about them when He 
preaches. About lilies in the fields and about birds, 
too. 

Joel. I wish my roses were lilies. 

Gabriel. But these are just as nice. No one 
but thee has such fine flowers, Joel. 

Joel. When one is not strong, to take the sheep 
to the pastures, it is easy to grow flowers. 

Gabriel. (Pointing to wreath) Oh, Joel, look ! 
Look at the spots! Red spots! — (Noticing Joel's 
hands.) .Your hands! — Oh, Joel, it's blood! See 
how thou hast stained thy roses. 

Joel. Oh, Gabriel! I didn't mean to. I must 
have done it breaking off the thorns. — Dost thou 
think He'll notice ? I have no more roses. I clipped 
them all this morning. 

Gabriel. (Trying to console his friend) Well — 
they — smell just as sweet, Joel, and the thorns can't 
prick Him now. 

Joel. But dost thou think He'll notice ? 

Gabriel. Oh, I'll tell thee. — Lay the wreath on 
the ground near His feet, then He can get the nice 
smell and the spots won't matter. 

Joel. Suppose He should pick it up 



8 THE GIFT 

Gabriel. Well, maybe He won't mind the spots 
when He sees the thorns are all off. 

Joel. I suppose that's the best we can do. 

Gabriel. I wish I had something as nice as that 
to give Him. 

Joel. Thou canst help carry it, Gabriel, then it'll 
be from both of us. 

Gabriel. May I? — It's really thine, Joel. Thou 
hast made it, and the flowers art thine, but if thou 
truly dost not mind I'd like to help give it. 

Joel. Thou shalt, Gabriel. 

Malachi. (Who has been listening to the BoysJ 
Thou art a good boy, Joel. 

^Enter Huldah. She comes in quickly. She is 
carrying an urn of zvater which she places upon 
the floor. She is a sharp, energetic woman, 
dressed in the loose gown of the day. She be- 
gins at once to set the room in order and to ar- 
range some food upon the table.) 

Huldah. The neighbors will be starting shortly. 

Malachi. Where, Huldah? — To the mount to 
hear the Galilean ? 

Huldah. Yes. We're all going again. — We'll be 
gone most of the day. 

Malachi. Thou 'rt not going again? 

Huldah. Why not? — Everybody's going. 

Malachi. But 

Huldah. Dost thou think I'll not go again when 
all the others are going? What'll they think if I 
don't? — That I'm afraid to hear the Galilean! — 
He 

Malachi. Thou worriest too much about what 
the neighbors think, Huldah. — This Galilean must 
be a most holy and God-fearing man. They say He 



THE GIFT 9 

hath been given the grace of a wonderful power 
to 

HuLDAH. No one doubts He is a holy man. But 
many foolish tales have been spread about His heal- 
ing power. — One shouldn't believe all one hears. / 
haven't seen Him perform any miracles. — We like 
to listen to Him, though ; He speaks in a pleasing 
way. He tells 

Malachi. He tells thee of thy faults — in a soft 
manner? In parables — they say? 

HuLDAii. He tells me no faults. He makes me 
feel quite good. That's why I like to hear Him. — 
One never knows how good he is until he hears a 
man like the Galilean. 

Malachi. (Surprised) He speaks of no fail- 
ings, no weaknesses, no 

HuLDAH. Oh. yes, He tells many that others 
have. He is most wise and He so young. — Yester- 
day He told us a parable about a sower who went 
out and sowed seeds, and how some of the seeds fell 
among thorns and were choked to death. When He 
explained that these seeds were like some people 
who allow the cares and pleasures of this life to 
choke them, I thought it was well neighbor Emanuel 
was there. If anyone needed that sermon, Emanuel 
did. 

Malachi. Was there nothing in the parable for 
thee? 

HuLDAH. Certainly. — A wise man as He is 
wouldn't forget to mention that some of the seed 
naturally fell on good ground. — It is well there are 
some of us can set a good example for others. 

Malachi. It is well thou canst feel that way. 
Few people, especially good ones, ever feel so satis- 
fied with themselves. 

HuLDAH. Why shouldn't we be satisfied when 
we know what we are? — We should be satisfied with 



lo THE GIFT 

what we have, too, I say. Thou shouldst have heard 
the Galilean tell a parable about discontented people : 
the laborers in the vineyard not being^ satisfied with 
the wag^e they got. — Whilst He was speaking- I 
couldn't help looking right at neighbor Rachel. She's 
never satisfied with what she has of this world's 
goods. 

Malachi. She gives much to the poor. It's for 
them she wants more. Not for herself. 

HuLDAH. That's no excuse. She should be con- 
tented with what she has. — If she didn't have much, 
she wouldn't have to give anything to the poor. 

Malachi. Thou judgest thy neighbors in thy 
own way, Huldah. — I wish thou wouldst not leave 
me alone to-day. — I am very weak. — One of my 
spells might come on 

Huldah. Leave thee alone ! — And the house open 
to anyone who wants to come in ? — Certainly not ! 

Malachi. Thou wilt stay, then ? 

Huldah. That I will not! — Joel must stay, the 
same as yesterday. 

('Joel looks up quickly at Huldah.^ 

Malachi. The boy hath set his heart on seeing 
the Galilean. 

Huldah. He hath? — Well, he is not to go. He 
must stay here ! 

Joel. Oh, Huldah, I want 

Huldah. Thou canst not go. That settles it. 
Thou hast to stay here with Father Malachi. 

Malachi. Take the boy with thee. then. — The 
house and I'll be all right till thy return. Take him 
along with thee. 

Huldah. After thy saying thou art afraid to 
stay here alone? 

Malachi. I am fearful of the spells. — If one 



THE GIFT II 

comes, well The end is so near now it doesn't 

matter much. Take him with thee. 

HuLDAH. He's not to go, I tell thee!— What 
would everyone say if thou wert to die here all 
alone? — Why does he want to be dragging himself 
in all that crowd ? I'm sure I don't want to be both- 
ered with him. — Here I'll leave some bread and fruit 
on the table for ye both. 

Joel. (Hesitatingly) I thought I might — I 
thought — I wanted to ask Him 

HuLDAH. Ask Him? — Ask whom? — What? 

Joel. The Galilean. — Ask Him to cure me — my 
lame 

HuLDAH. Nonsense! — Who hath been filling thy 
head with such notions? — As if He could! 

Joel. (Rising and going excitedly on his crutches 
toward Huldahj Oh, He can! — I know He can — 
He hath 

HuLDAH. Talk! Rubbish! — Get such silly no- 
tions out of thy head at once. — There were many 
crippled people there yesterday ; — why didn't He 
cure them ? 

Joel. Maybe they didn't ask Him. — Maybe they 
didn't know — didn't believe He could. — Oh, Huldah, 
may I go? 

Huldah. Thou canst not tell me He wouldn't 
have done it if He could — with all those people look- 
ing at Him. — No, thou shalt not go and be the laugh- 
ing stock of all the neighbors. They'll think I put 
such notions into thy head. 

Joel. No, they won't. — Please, Huldah. — If thou 
art afraid of that I'll go up very close to Him and 
ask Him so no one else will hear. I know He will 
do it. 

Huldah. They won't let you near the Galilean. 
They sent all the children away from Him yester- 
day. And right, too. Why should He want to be 



12 THE GIFT 

bothered with a rabble of children hanging around 
Him. I'd like to know. — Now sit down and say no 
more about it. I must go at once. (Gets her cloak 
and puts it on.) 

Joel. (Goes sadly hack to bench) Oh! — ^And 
the crown. He won't get that, now. 

Gabriel. Maybe Huldah would give it to Him 
for thee. Let's ask her if she'll take it. 

HuLDAH. Take what? 

Joel, We thought maybe thou wouldst 

Wilt thou take our crown and give it to the Galilean 
for us, Huldah? — We made it 'specially for Him. 

Huldah. (Coming toivard the Bovsj What 
next? — Of all the ridiculous ideas this is the worst! 
— Thou art losing tbv^wits akogether, Joel ! — And 
look at my floor^mtn^d^r'Mid leaves! Suppose 
some of the neighbors were to come in at this mo- 
ment, what kind of a housewife would they think 
I am? 

Joel. I'll tidy it, Huldah. — Wilt thou not take 
the crown to Him? 

Huldah. (Exasperated) Wouldst thou have 
me seem an idiot before everyone? — It's food and 
drink the Galilean needs — with His wandering over 
the country — not roses. 

Joel. (Brightening) Couldst thou not give Him 
some bread and fruit with the crown? Then 

Huldah. Me give Him bread and fruit? — As 
poor as we are? Let them who have plenty give 
Him food ; I'll not ! — Here, give me that. (Hold- 
ing out her hand for the zvreath.) Thou wouldst 
moon over it all day ! 

Joel. (Giving her the zvreath) Then thou wilt 
take it ? 

Huldah. (Throwing wreath through opening 
into fire) Into the fire with it! That's what I'll 
do with it ! Now let that be an end of thy nonsense. 



THE GIFT 13 

Clean up that floor and act as if thou hadst some 
sense. No one would ever think I had the bringing 
up of thee. 

(She goes briskly across the room and gives a couple 
of stabs at straightening covers over Malachi.) 

Joel. (Sobbing) Oh, the beautiful crown, the 
beautiful crown! 

Malachi. (To Huldah; Why didst thou do 
it, Huldah? 

Huldah. Now if thou begin taking sides with 
him, he'll never get sense. 

Gabriel. Oh, Joel, it's too bad. — It was such a 
fine crown. 

^Gabriel takes a stick from floor and hooks the 

crown out of the fire, all black and burnt, but 
still in its circular shape.) 

Joel. (Trying with difficulty to force back his 
sobs) It's spoiled, Gabriel — it's all .spoiled! 

Gabriel. (Putting wreath on bench beside Joel j 
Yes, it's no good now. 

Huldah. (Preparing to leave) Now stop this 
wailing and keep an eye to the house and Father 
Malachi. (Looking out of the window.) The neigh- 
bors are already gathering at the cross-roads ; I 
must go. 

(A knock is heard at door. Huldah opens it. En- 
ter Stranger. He steps in, groping and 
trembling toward the door-jamb. He leans 
against it thoroughly exhausted. Though his 
eyes are sightless and deep lines of suffering 
mark his face yet in it is such a look of kindness 
and patience as to give him a spiritual beauty. 



14 THE GIFT 

He is about forty years of age hut looks aider. 
He carries a heavy staff.) 

Stranger. Blessings, kind people. I beg a little 
rest and a morsel of bread. I have been traveling a 
long time, often losing my way. 

HuLDAH. Go to those who have food to spare. 

Stranger. Let me rest a little then. 

Malachi. Huldah, canst thou not give 

Joel. Oh, do. He's blind I 

Huldah. (Ignoring both Malachi and Joel^ 
Thou hadst better go further while yet thou hast 
strength. There's trouble enough under this roof 
with a crippled child and a bed-ridden old man 
here. 

Stranger. Wilt thou 

Huldah. Thou canst not stop here. I am go- 
ing now to hear the Galilean. 

Stranger. (Seeming to gain new life) The 
Galilean ! — Thou art going to the Galilean ! — I have 
come a long way to find the Galilean. — May — may I 
go with thee? — Is it very far from here where He is 
now? 

Huldah. Yee, it is some little distance — but I am 
not going directly there. I am going first to meet the 
neighbors. 

Stranger. But may I 

Huldah. The road is hard and steep; I could 
not guide thee. People like thee who canst not help 
themselves should stay at home, not be wandering 
the country-side. Thou only givest trouble to every- 
one. 

Stranger. Be kind, dear woman — I have come a 
long distance 

Huldah. (Impatiently) Thou couldst not keep 
up with us. My advice is: give up this foolhardy 
journey and let others tell thee what the Galilean 



THE GIFT 15 

says. Thou art foolish to wear thyself out like 
this. 

Stranger. I seek the Galilean to beg His help — 
my sight. 

HuLDAH. Teh! — I thought only children had 
such silly notions ! 

Stranger. He can cure me — He will — if I ask 
Him. 

Huldah. Hast thou seen Him cure anyone? 
No, of course not — nor I, and I have eyes to see. I 
believe what I see and thou wouldst do better not 
to believe all thou hearest. He couldn't possibly do 
all the wonderful things people say He does. 

Stranger. I know the Galilean can give me my 
sight if thou wilt only guide me to Him. I may miss 
Him altogether while He is in Judea. I beg thee ! 

(In his pleading he starts tozvard center of room, but 
staggers and nearly falls. Gabriel and Joel 
go to his assistance and lead him to bench.) 

HuLDAH. There! — Now dost thou see thy folly 
in not contenting thyself at home? Thou art unable 
to stand. (Looking out of the zvindow.) Mercy! 
Here I am wasting my time and the neighbors well 
up the road. (Exits hurriedly.) 

Gabriel. (Jumping up) Oh, Joel, I promised 
to meet mother and Martha at the cross-roads. I 
must run. Good-bye. (Exits running.) 

(The Stranger closes his eyes and lets his head 
sink weakly down on his chest.) 

Joel. (In alarm) Thou art ill ! . 
Stranger. It'll pass. — a little faint- 



JoEL. (Rising and going at once toward table) 
Thou art hungry. — Thou hast had nothing 



i6 THE GIFT 

Stranger. True ! — I have had nothing since 

Joel. (Coming back with his share of bread and 
fruit) Here, eat this. 

Stranger. (Lifting his head weakly) But — did 
— not 

Joel. It is mine to give. 

Stranger. No, no — it's for thyself. Thou must 
not give it away. 

Malachi. Give him my share, Joel. 

Joel. No, Father Malachi. Thou art old and ill. 
Thou must have thine. 

Malachi. Thou art young — ^thy life is before 
thee. 

Joel. Thou knowest, Father Malachi, Huldah 
would scold me if I gave away what didn't belong to 
me. — Here, friend, eat something — ^thou wilt feel 
stronger. 

Stranger. But not thy food, boyX^ 

Joel. Thou mayest as well take it; I shall not 
eat it. I'm not hungry. — Huldah says I eat too much 
as it is for my size. Thou and Father Malachi are 
big and need more than I do. 

Stranger. (Not deceived by Joel's speech, but 
gratefully taking proffered food) Thou knowest 
what it is to suffer, little lame one. May God re- 
ward thee. 

Joel. (Seating himself beside the stranger) I 
hope when thou art stronger, thou wilt be able to 
find the Galilean. When some one can cure thee, it 
must be much worse going on being blind than being 
lame. 

Stranger. Thou wouldst like to go to the Gali- 
lean, too? 

Joel. Yes, but Huldah 

Stranger. Thy mother? 

Joel. No, my mother is dead. I live with Hul- 
dah. 



THE GIFT 17 

Stranger. She wouldn't let thee go either. (To 
himself) She'd move the world only by her vision 
of it. 

Joel. She says it is all nonsense, as she told thee ; 
— so she wouldn't stay here with Father Malachi and 
let me go. 

Stranger. Thou couldst go if someone were to 
stay here? 

Joel. Yes. — But there's no use now. Huldah 
says they won't let children go near the Galilean. 
Gabriel and I were going to take Him the crown, 
too. But now that's burnt. He might have had it 
if only Huldah had taken it. Gabriel's mother says 
He likes flowers. 

Stranger. Flowers? Crown? 

Joel. Yes, this — (Putting burnt wreath into the 
Stranger's hands.) We made it specially for Him. 
When Huldah told us children weren't allowed near 
the Galilean we asked her to take it to Him. But 
she said it was foolishness and threw the crown into 
the fire. 

Stranger. I think that was very wrong. It was 
not hers to throw into the fire. (Running his fingers 
around the wreath's circle.) It's still a crown. 

Joel. Only to touch. — Not to look upon. It's 
black and burnt. The color's all gone. 

Stranger. But not the thought that fashioned it. 
(Speaking slowly) The Galilean would know that. 
— May I take thy gift to the Galilean, little lame one? 

Joel. Oh, no! It would never do now. — It is 
quite spoiled. 

Stranger. The Galilean will understand. 

Joel. But thou The neighbors Wouldst 

thou not mind? — Before the crown was burnt Hul- 
dah said they would laugh at her if she gave it to 
Him. — It was beautiful then. — Now it is black and 



i8 THE GIFT 

ugly. I am sure they would laugh at thee for giving 
such a gift. 

Stranger. The Galilean wouldn't laugh. 

Joel. No — He would feel sorry it was burnt. 

Stranger. (Rising and slipping the wreath on 
his arm) I am feeling stronger now, thanks to thee, 
little lame one. — I shall try to finish my journey. 
God has permitted me to come this far ; something 
tells me He will let me find the Galilean. — I am sorry 
thou canst not go too. — Maybe 

(A knock is heard at the door. But before anyone 
in the room can open the door, it is flung open 
by Martha, who enters, breathless and excited. 
She is a girl about ten years of age and is 
dressed, much like the boys, in a girdled tunic.) 

Martha. (Without seeing the Stranger, who is 
between the door and the window) Joel, Joel — 
mother says we can go near the Galilean. We can 
go quite near, — because — because yesterday the Gali- 
lean chided the people for sending the children away 
from Him. He said "Suffer the little children to 
come unto Me — for such " Oh, I don't remem- 
ber the rest — something about the kingdom of 
Heaven. Canst thou not come, Joel? Oh, do comgj^ 

Joel. (His face lighting zuith pleasure) Oh, 
Martha ! — (Then his spirits fall) — I'm afraid 

Martha. (Mistaking his fear) Thou needst not 
be afraid — He's most kind, mother says. He puts 
His arms around the children and His hands on 
their heads. He even lets the babies climb up on 
His knees. And Hannah says His eyes look so kind 
at thee — and — and — He's beautiful! 

Joel. Oh, I'm not afraid of Him, Martha. I 
want to go to Him. But I can't go. Father Malacht 
could not be left alone. — Huldah's srone. 



THE GIFT 19 

Martha. Oh ! (Looking toward Malachi^ 
Yes. — I'm sorry thou canst not go, Joel. — And He 
goes to Galilee after to-day. Thou wilt never see 
Him. 

Joel. (Hardly able to restrain his disappoint- 
ment) Oh, Martha! 

Martha. It's too bad, Joel. — Never mind, we'll 
tell thee all about Him when we come back. — I must 
hurry after the others. Good-bye. 

(EXITS hurriedly.) 

Joel. (Entirely forgetting that the stranger is 
still in the room, sobs out) Oh — if Huldah had 
stayed — if only she had-- 

Malachi. Joel, Joel, go. Go along. — See, I'm 
all right. Thou needst not stay. See, I'm quite 
strong — (Attempts to sit up, but in the effort gasps 
and falls back upon the pillow.) 

Joel. (Very much frightened, hurries over to 
Malachi j Oh, Father Malachi! What have I 
done? Oh, thou shouldst not — thou shouldst not 

have tried Here, drink this — (Giving Malachi 

medicine from, earthen bowl.) There! I am sorry 
I made thee suffer. Please think no more about me. 
I shan't leave thee. (Helps Malachi rest more 
comfortably on the pillow.) I was a baby to cry, 
but I couldn't help it. I'll not cry any more. 

(Joel goes back to bench, but stops as he sees the 
stranger still standing near the window.) 

Joel. Oh — forgive me. — The door is over here. 
I forgot thou couldst not see it. (Goes to lead him.) 
I'll start thee on the right road, then 

Stranger. (Making no move to go) Listen, 
little lame one — ^thou hast been kind to me. Thou 
hast given me food and a place to rest. Let me do 



20 THE GIFT 

something in return for thee. — I shall stay here 
while thou goest to the Galilean. 

Joel. No, no, I could not let thee. 

Stranger. Come, let me stay. — I have been blind 
so long I am quite used to it — ^but thou — thou art 
young. — I have been thinking, too, that perhaps I 
should not find the Galilean, whilst thou — thou wilt 
find the Galilean at once. Come, go at once before 
He leaves the mount. 

Joel. (His face lighting with hope, but still hesi- 
tating) But should I 

Stranger. Thou dost not want to sit around all 
thy life seeing other boys running about, climbing 
trees, wading in the brooks — always merry. It is 
thy right. The right of all boys. And thou wilt be 
able to help with the sheep in the pastures or work 
in the vineyards ; then thy — thy Huldah will be 
kinder to thee. — Hurry, go at once lest thou miss 
Him. He goes to Galilee to-morrow, thou knowest. 
— Thou wilt find me here on thy return. 

Joel. But thou — thou hast truly giv- up want- 
ing 

Stranger. I've given up thinking I can find Him. 
If I should go and miss Him then neither of us 
would be cured. Just think of the joy thee wilt 
give me when thou comest back — running in with- 
out thy crutches. 

Joel. I suppose thou art right, kind friend. Thou 
mightst not find Him. — Oh, if thou wilt stay I shall 
be so happy. — Won't it be wonderful when I come 
back ? 

Stranger. Yes, it will. Now hurry. I shall re- 
main here until thy return. 

Joel. Oh, I am so happy ! (Starts toward door, 
then turns to Malachi) Thou wilt be all right? 
Thou dost not mind — dost thou, Father Malachi? — 
This kind 



THE GIFT 



21 



Malachi (Interrupting) Yes, I hear! 
Joel. 1 11 hurry right back. 

(EXITS as hurriedly as he can.) 

V 

rr/t^ Stranger go^es slowly groping his imy to the 
bench _ Thmkmg Malachi cannot see him 
drops his head tnto his hands, giving way to the 
disappointment he cannot help feeling at havina 
to give up so much.) 

Malachi. (Who has been watching him) Chil- 
dren are all alike.— I didn't think Joel would 

Stranger (Startled at Malachi^s voice, lifts 
fiis head, and controls himself.) Oh '—It's all right 
I don't mind that much. I wanted him to ^o It is 
not for children to give up when even I cannot 

(The door is suddenly opened and Joel ENTERS 
quickly and closes the door with determination.) 

Stranger. Who 

Joel. (Coming at once to the side of Stranger) 
Uh, fnend, I cannot go— I cannot. I cannot let thee 
stay here whilst I go. Thou hast got to go thyself 
Thou must— It's just a straight road from here' 
1 hou couldst not possibly lose thy way. Thou art 
sure to find Him. 

Stranger. (Rising) What's this? Not goincr? 
Joel. (His voice breaking) No,— I can't I— I 
just thought out there— suppose— suppose I were— 
(i>huts his eyes and takes a few steps, groping for- 
ward.) Oh, It's terrible !-Thou nevef to see the 
flames burn m the fire— never to see the grass nor 
the trees— nor the sun shining in the brook— oh— 
and never to see how beautiful flowers are'— It's 
dreadful! Everything dark— oh, so dark! Seein<- 



22 THE GIFT 

nothing all the time! — (Opening his eyes.) Oh, 
thou must go. Thou shalt go. 

(Joel takes the Stranger by the arm and tries to 
lead him toward the door.) 

Stranger. No, no. I want thee- 



JoEL. Oh, but thou must go. Canst thou not un- 
derstand? — I've got everything whilst thou — thou 
hast walked rough ways — ^thou hast been hungry — 
people have hurt thee — while all the time thou hast 
had nothing but blackness. Now, when thou couldst 
have — thou wilt not. Thou givest up thy chance and 
wantest me to go — while I, I've done nothing — 
(Catching sight of wreath which is still on the 
Stranger's arm) — done nothing but make a little 
crown. No wonder God wouldn't let me give it to 
the Galilean. He let it get burnt on purpose. Please, 
please, wilt thou not go at once? (He takes the 
Stranger and puts him outside the door.) There, 
go straight ahead, up that road until thou comest to 
the place where He is. 

(Exit Stranger with the wreath on his arm.) 

(Joel closes the door and goes to the window, where 
he watches the Stranger make his way up the 
road.) 

Joel. I hope he gets there in time. I do hope 
so. — And I nearly kept him from going. How I 
could do such a thing 

Malachi. (Slowly) Yes — I wondered, too, Joel. 
I did not think thou wouldst cause sorrow like that 
to others. 

Joel. Thou must have been ashamed of me, 
Father Malachi. 



THE GIFT 
Malachi. Thou knowest 



Joel. (At zvindow) Oh — two travelers have 
stopped our stranger and are talking to him. They 
shouldn't detain him. — I wish they were going his 
way, but they're not. They could take him with 
them if they were. (Sharply) Oh, is he ill? — He 
hath fallen down — no, he's on his knees before one 
of the travelers. Is he frightened? What can the 
traveler be saying to him ? Oh, he hath taken hold 
of the traveler's hand! — What can it mean? (Goes 
quickly to door, as if he would run out, hut changes 
his mind and comes hack to windmv.) The Traveler 
has His hand on our stranger's head. I can see now 
the Traveler is smiling at him. He makes our 
stranger stand up again. Maybe they will turn back 
and take him to the Galilean. How I wish they 
would. Why — why — our stranger hath thrown him- 
self down again on his knees. He's kissing the 
Traveler's feet! Could it be — no, — why — he's giv- 
ing the Traveler my crown ! — No, it's a crown of 
red roses the Traveler has in His hands. Oh, He is 
turning — He is looking this way. He holds the 
crown out to me. Why He beckons 

(In his excitement Joel rushes to the door and flings 
it open to rush out. His crutches at his first 
move fall front under his arms and go crashing 
to the floor. Joel, however, does not realize 
that he has crossed the floor without their aid. 
Malachi, at the sound of the crutches striking 
the floor, rises suddenly to a half-sitting pos- 
ture.) 

Joel. (At door) He hath gone ! 
Malachi. Joel, Joel ! Thy crutches — thou- 



JoEL. (Turning toward Malachi^ Why, why, 
-(Looks at crutches on floor, then at himself stand- 



24 THE GIFT 

ing alone in the middle of the floor. He then takes 
a few steps to make sure he is not dreaming, then 
shouts:) I can walk ! (Rushes over and throws his 
arms around Malachi's neck) Oh, Father Malachi, 
I can ! — I can walk ! The Galilean ! 'Twas He ! 

Malachi. It was ! (Slowly sinks back upon his 
pillow.) The Galilean! 

(The Stranger, no longer blind, without his staff, 
but bearing in his hand a crown of red roses, 

steps joyously into the room.) 

Stranger. Little lame one 

Joel. (Looks steadily at the stranger for a sec- 
ond, then shouts with joy:) Thou canst see! Oh, 
Father Malachi, look — (Dances about the room.) 
It was the Galilean, I, know — I know. See, I, too — 
both of us See, I don't need the crutches any- 
more ! (Stopping seriously) 'Twas thee told Him 
about my wanting- — didst thou not? 

Stranger, I gave Him thy crown. This — (Ex- 
tending red crown to Joelj — He sends in return 

Joel. For me? — 'Tis much lovelier than mine 
ever was. Oh, how can I thank Him? — (Turns to 

Malachij Look, Father (Turning again to 

Stranger^ Shall I not give the crown to Father 
Malachi, so he'll have something too ? It will make 
him happy. (Goes to couch.) 
. Malachi. (Softly) He — takes — me — ^to my — 
happiness. (Closes his eyes forever.) 

(Joel, placing wreath over Malacht's hands, real- 
ises what has happened. Slowly he slips down 
by the side of the couch, looking for a moment 
with awe at the old man's calm face. Then, in 
fuller understanding, smiles the reflection of 
Malachi's happiness.) 



THE GIFT 25 

Stranger. (Stepping tozvard couch and looking 
at Malachi J He's found his ! 

Voice of Huldah. (Just outside the door) Af- 
ter all our trouble, to think we missed Him. — He 
must have passed this way, too. 

Stranger. (Reverently) Yes, He passed this 
way. 

(The door begins to open, but before Huldah can 
be seen 



THE CURTAIN IS DRAWN. 



^^V.?^ Sv^^^.^? ^^?^- A P'ay in one act by Elizabeth 
Mctadden. Adapted from the story of the same name by R. M 
Alden. Especially recommended as a Christmas play because: It 
teaches the story of the Christ child, rather than the Byzantine 
legend of Santa Claus. It may be adapted to the ritual of any 
Christian denomination by slight changes of costume and setting. 
It offers a rare opportunity for exquisite church music. It may be 
given in the barest room, against a background of Christmas greens, 
or It may be presented with the most lavish equipment of a profes- 
sional theatre, yet both productions will thrill the imagination and 
touch the heart. It teaches the beauty of a charity that gives heart 
and service as well as gold. Price, 35 cents. 

^SoM^-^^^^^a^Lf^^^^' '^--^*'«'i ^y Virginia A. Gris- 
wpld. This 13 the Bible story of the birth of the Christ, using the 
Bible language as far as possible. It lends itself to four scenes: 
Ihe hill country of Judea, the throne-room of Herod, the market- 
place in Bethlehem and the stable with the manger. It can be 
produced m the simplest manner on a platform, or with all the 
oriental setting and accessories which the imagination and means 
can provide. Plays about an hour, and any number of people, adults 
and children can be used. Makes an admirable Christmas enter- 
Uinment and is well adapted for the use of churches and schools. 
iPnce, 35 cents. 

^"t?re?^P^'^^^F^S?^ CHRISTMAS. A Christmas play in 
tev rHVTc^^f^o^-'"'^'^i^^"^"°". "^^y'"*"- The NIGHT BE- 
T CHRISTMAS is a little play in three acts which may be 
produced well withm an hour. The first act presents the wonclrous 
and hurried night before Christmas preparation activities in Santa's 
workshop at the North Pole. The second act is a night before 
Christmas home bed-chamber incident, involving the desperate situa- 
tion resulting from a childish difference between two brothers, which 
difference— made up" true— introduces, also, the woeful possibilities 
ot bantas calamitou^ displeasure. (In this and the last act the 
children 3 classic. "The Night Before Christmas," is dramatized.) 
in the ♦hird act All's well that ends well." A quartette supplies the 
music. Ihis little play has groztm during years of local use by the 
author and others. Its unbroken success in stirring and impressing 
the children (and the 'grown-ups," too— whom, also, the author 
aimed to reach) was urged as a reason for its publication. Strongly 
recommended as an entertainment for the holiday season. Price 30 
cents. ' 

A DREAM ON CHRISTMAS EVE. a very cleasine enter 
tainment for little folks by Ina Home. Time about thirty minStes; 
but It can be lengthened to any duration by the further introduction 
of each child s specialty. The costumes are according to the char- 
acter represented and are easily made. The story is the dream of a 
little girl on Christmas eve, m which she views the good things 
»£m. cir '^u° i^^Vy^ on the morrow. Santa Claus enters and 
while filling the stocking tells a story of the little people to whom 
he gives his presents. Then the Christmas pudding enters and tells 
how she was made. Then the pumpkin pie, the holly, mistletoe ice 
cream, crackers, candy, etc., enter and tell their stories. The olay 
ts easy to give, and can be held in the class room, Sunday-school 
or a home. Price, 30 centa. 

'^^iS T^^tS,^^^^ ^^"^'^o'r,^ .o'"''?ina! entertainment for children 
^ •■ ^- S"^*"-^"" Edward Weitzel, with some new and up-to-date 
music. No special number required. Particularly adapted to school 
°[-ij °°^y'^u,. ?* entMtainments. One of the best entertainments for 
children published. Price 30 cents. 



SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 28-30 West 38th Street 



J-lBRfiRY Qp 




SOUTHUMBERLAND'S YULE-TIDEj a fascinating and 
practical community Christmae masque, by C. Arthur Coan. This 
delightful festival is written in the spirit of the traditional Yule 
celebrations of olden days, and is so conceived as to permit the 
whole school or community, old, young, rich or poor, to take an 
active part. The costumes are fully described and the instructions 
are in detail. Suitable for community or school usfi. Price, SO 
cents, 

MOTHER GOOSE'S CHRISTMAS VISIT. An entirely new 

and original entertainment for children by Edith Thompson Langley. 
This very pleasing entertainment embraces riiost of the Mother 
Goose ^characters, and any number of children, boys and girls', 
young and old, can take part. Songs and specialties can be 
introduced and the action prolonged to any length of time desired. 
It introduces Santa Claus and the Christmas tree and all the favorite 
characters of the little ones. It is an admirable entertainment for 
the Christmas holidays, and is printed complete with music, sug- 
gestions for staging, costuming, etc. Flays about an hour. This 
entertainment has always been a great success wherever produced. 
Price, 30 cents. 

THE GIFT. A symbolic play in one act by Marie A. Foley. The 
action passes in a simple room of a little house near Judea during 
the lifetime of Our Lord. The characters are two men, one woman 
and three children. The costumes — tunic draperies — make it easily 
possible to be played by an all female cast. Joel, a little lame boy, 
firmly believes the Galilean can cure him of his lameness if he will 
go and ask Him. In preparation the boy makes a wreath of white 
roses as a gift ior the Galilean. Huldah, with whom Joel lives, a 
woman with neither heart nor imagination, ridicules the boy's faith: 
throws the wreath into the fire and frustrates the boy's going by 
leaving him in sole charge of her father, an aged and infirm man. 
A stranger, blind, also seeking the Galilean, to regain his sight, 
stops at the door for food and rest. The boy takes him in. Acci- 
dentally the stranger comes in contact with the charred wreath 
which Joel has dragged from the fire. The stranger hears about the 
wreath's purpose and offers to carry it to the Galilean. Joel explans 
it's sorry plight. "The Galilean will understand," answers the 
stranger. "But it is black and ugly," exclaims the boy. "But not 
the heart that fashioned it," he is answered. The stranger then 
learns of the boy's desire to be cured and offers himself to remain 
there with the aged man while the boy goes to get his heart's desire. 
The boy accepts the stranger's great sacrifice (much to the disappoint- 
ment of the old invalid) and leaves the house. However, in a few 
minutes the boy is back again crying out that he .cannot go. "It 
is much worse being blind than being lame." The stranger is put 
upon the road by the boy to seek the Galilean. The boy watching 
him through the windov? sees the stranger meet with a Traveller, 
sees the giving of his burnt wreath to the Traveller, its trans- 
formation into beautiful crimson roses as it touches the Traveller's 
hands, then the return of the stranger no longer blind to the house. 
In his joy the boy leaps across the room to the door to find that his 
crutches have dropped to the floor and he has leaped across the 
room unaided — pured. The play ends with much joy for all three 
in the room while outside is heard the voice of the unbeliever, 
"Strange we missed Him; He must have passed this way." The 
stranger answers, "Yes, He passed this way." Price, 35 cents. 



SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 28-30 West 38th Street 



